By Samuel Olamide Osifuye
It was a celebration of a well-spent life and time of Pa Samuel Ebudola Taiwo as family and friends gathered to celebrate the late patriarch.
The program began Thursday, February 6th, 2025 with a service of tributes and songs, honoring Pa Taiwo’s significant contributions to his family, church, and community.
Testimonies shared during the service spoke to Pa Taiwo's outstanding life. He was described as a loving and kind-hearted man who brought many villagers to Lagos, opening his home to all who needed shelter. Children loved playing with him, and he was known for his unwavering prayer life. Also, he was an intercessor who fervently prayed for the needs of others, leading to many miracles, including barren women being blessed with children. His work ethic and dedication were also highlighted, as he was a man of action, always striving to make a difference.
In his tribute, Elder Sesan Taiwo, the first child of Pa Taiwo, described his father as his first mentor and a man who deeply valued education. He recalled how his father welcomed everyone with open arms, offering love and hospitality to all.
Elder (Engr.) Ademola Taiwo, the younger brother of Pa Taiwo appreciated the church, family and friends for the show of love and support towards the success of the program.
The funeral proper was held the following day, Friday, February 7th, 2025 which culminated in a powerful thanksgiving service at Christ Apostolic Church Mount of Blessing, Yaba Districts’ Coordinating Council, Lagos, led by the Superintendent, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare.
Mr. Oluwatosin Taiwo, one of the children of the Late Pa Taiwo read the only lesson of the service which was taken from the book of Revelations 21:1-7
The choir, consisting of choristers from CAC Yaba DCC Headquarters, Akinyele, Pearce, Akilling, and Babalola Regions, uplifted the spirits of the congregation with their renditions. Among the choir conductors of CAC Yaba DCC Hqtrs were the pioneer Head of the Department of Music at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Tolu Owoaje; Assistant Choir Master – Training, Seun Owoaje; Assistant Choir Master – Administration, Lekan Oluyelu; Choir Secretary, Elder Akin Fatunsi; Assistant Organist, Pamilerin Adebayo; Assistant Organist, Abiodun Oluwatosin; and Assistant Organist, David Ofinni.
In his sermon, Pastor Oludare reflected on the theme “The Gain in Death for a Child of God,” with text from Philippians 1:21. He encouraged the congregation to view death not as a loss, but as a transition to spiritual perfection and eternal rest for believers. “Why should we thank God after losing our dear one?” he asked, explaining, “We thank God for perfection because every child of God that dies experiences perfection. As long as we are alive, we cannot be perfect, but when death comes, perfection is attained.”
The Clergy also spoke about the relief that comes with death for a child of God. He said, “When a child of God dies, he or she is relieved of every pain,” quoting Luke 16 to underline this truth. He further referenced Revelation 6:9, emphasizing the "absolute rest" that believers experience after death. This rest, he explained, offers peace and freedom from suffering.
In his appreciation speech, Elder Sesan Taiwo, the eldest child of the late Pa Taiwo, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported the family during this time of loss. He particularly thanked notable church leaders and dignitaries who had shown unwavering support. Among those he recognized were President of CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor S.O. Oladele; General Superintendent , Pastor E.O. Odejobi; Finance Director, Pastor J.F Omitinde; Superintendent Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo; Secretary Akinyele Region, Pastor E.O.O. Oyedeji; Director of Administration, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Tope Dada; General overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Olukoya.
One of the highlights of the thanksgiving service was a mass choir rendition of ‘Hallelujah’, a chorus from Handel’s Messiah which was performed by all officiating and non-officiating choristers which include Elder Sesan Taiwo and his wife Mrs Olusola Sesan-Taiwo, Mr Johnson Taiwo, Mrs Tope-Dada, Deaconess Sade Jacobs, and a host of others.
While the deceased children, Elder Sesan Taiwo, Mr Oluwatosin Taiwo, and Mr Johnson Taiwo were physically present at the events, Mrs. Abosede Sowunmi (née Taiwo), the fourth child of the deceased was unable to attend in person due to her residence in South Africa, however, she closely monitored every aspect of the event online, staying in constant virtual contact with family members while celebrating her beloved late dad.
Dignitaries present at the event included the penultimate Superintendent of CAC Yaba, Pastor G.O. Obafemi; immediate past Superintendent of CAC Yaba, Pastor Gideon Oladokun, represented by his wife, Mrs. Oladokun; Director of Administration, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Tope Dada; Director of Music CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN); Pastor Ajidagba; Minister-in-charge CAC Mount of Blessing, English Assembly, Pastor Abraham Akinsokeji; Rev. Tunde Adelaja, St. Paul Anglican Church, Tomori, Diocese of Lagos; Pastor Magbagbeola, Curate CAC Oke-Ibukun, Yaba DCC Hqtrs, Pastor E.T. Oluokun; Minister-in-charge Strong Tower Assembly, Pastor Ayo Adeosi; Pastor Timothy Oladapo; Choir Masters of Pearce, Akilling, Orekoya, and Babalola Regions, Pastor Philip Ayeni, Pastor Tosin Akinpelu, Elder Dr. Kutus Martins Oloruntoba (FCA), and Elder Ezekiel Ilori respectively; Assistant Regional Choir Masters, Akinyele, Pearce, and Akilling Regions, Elder Segun Akinloye, Elder Tope Amudipe, and Deaconess Nike Peters respectively; Akinyele Regional Choir Secretary, Elder Jerry Awofodu; Retired Choirmaster Emeritus, Elder S.K.O. Annan; Elder Oyerinde; Elder Alege; Deputy Speaker Yaba local government, Hon Niyi Olukolu; and many others.
The service was also attended by family and friends who came to pay their respects to Pa S.E. Taiwo, a man remembered for his deep faith, resilience, and contributions to his family, church, and community.
A Glimpse into the Life of Pa Samuel Ebudola Taiwo
Pa Samuel Ebudola Taiwo was born on 9th July, 1931 in Luwako, Ijebu Imobi, Ogun State. He received his early education between 1937 and 1942. In 1949, his friend and brother, Late ‘Peju Adebajo with assistance of his late uncle, Pa Idowu Ajayi, took him to Lagos to stay with his uncle, Late Israel Adebajo, MD of Nigeria Office of Stationery Supply Stores. There, he apprenticed in fashion design and later established his own business, 'Nossy Cut,' at Itapasi in Lagos.
Faced with multiple challenges, including the repeated burglary of his shop, Pa Taiwo closed his business and eventually worked with his friend, Christopher Adelaja, founder of Well Print Paper Converter Company in Apapa, Lagos, until his retirement.
A devout Christian, Pa Taiwo became a member of CAC Yaba in the late 1950s and was an active member of the Young Men Christian League. He was married to his beloved wife, Adetoun Deborah Taiwo (née Alausa), with whom he had children and grandchildren.
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